RAI, the Italian national broadcaster has released a statement regarding the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2026, confirming Italy’s participation in the competition.
RAI and Italy have confirmed their participation at ESC 2026 in Vienna. The Italian national broadcaster has stated in the press release that it supported the participation of the Israeli national broadcaster KAN in the competition at the EBU’s General Assembly’s debate.
RAI’s official press release reads:
Italy will participate in the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled for May 12-16, 2026, in Vienna.
As a member of the Big Five, Italy has always been among the countries that have believed in and invested in the Eurovision Song Contest, contributing significantly, including financially, to its development and international success. In recent years, our commitment has grown steadily, demonstrating the value we place on an event that represents the longest-running international music festival, capable of uniting diverse cultures in a shared celebration. RAI’s commitment to the competition confirms its desire to strengthen Italy’s role in promoting music, culture, and entertainment internationally.
In this spirit, RAI, in the EBU debate, supported the participation of Israeli public broadcaster Kan in the next edition.
Italy at Eurovision
Italy is one of the founder members of the Eurovision Song Contest having debuted in the very first edition in 1956 in Lugano The Italians have won the competition thrice (1964,1990 and 2021).
